Jarheadiswhitetrash
09-01-2001, 09:44 AM
O.K.
I was looking over my own personal list of fav films and realized that despite my extensive movie watching there were still alot of areas where I had fallen short of seeing films.
So I figured I would start this list in hopes that not only would I spread my own very Expert List of personal Favorites but also I would be introduced to great Films I have never heard of.
As for my lists...My own personal list is around 450 movies long BUT these range from movies "worth mentioning" to "Epic". The Rating system I use goes from "*"(asterisks) to "S". 1 "*"(asterisk) means that the movie is ok, this goes all the way up to
4 "*"(asterisks') which is Really REALLY good........BUT I reserve the "S" for the movies which is Feel are "Utterly Life Changing".
Because I know People don't want to read through 450 movies I am only going to list here, movies from my personal List which I gave an "S" meaning that they are by far better than any others.
The weak areas that I spoke of above are areas of Film that I am aware of having immense artistic importance have been meaning to get into but just haven’t had the time. Consequently I will not list from these areas and encourage any "Experts" on them share the knowledge. There also some areas that I have seen but just have not Catalogued into my personal list yet Both of these areas are.
-Dario Argento
-Mario Bava
-Lucio Fulci, and any other Italian Horror
-Hammer Films(just not catalogued)
-Most of the Film Noir and Classics from 1930-1950.
-Anime(just no catalogued)
-Westerns(I have a few on my list)
-Hitchcock(I have a few on my list)
-Jimmy Stewart(I have a few on my list)
-Some Kenneth Branagh(I have a few on my list)
As always feel free to add your opinions. I am going to list mine by Name and then a brief sentence or two of what I thought of the film or what it was about. I also posted part of this list over at Amazon.com under the name "TheBalrog99".
All Genre's Welcome, Anime, Foreign, Comedy, even Spoof! Also feel free to comment on movies already listed. Although I hope lists don't get too repetitive.
In case anyone didn't know the "Internet Movie Database" is probably the best source for archived info on any movie that has been released on the web. They are at...
www.imdb.com (http://www.imdb.com)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
well lets get started...oh yea these are in no really particular order. I look forward to seeing your favs.
1. The Age of Innocence---This is officially my favorite film, Michelle Pfeiffer is enchanting, Day-Lewis plays the tortured soul known all too well.
2. Lolita (1997)---I love this film. Far superior to Kubrick's version if you can watch this with an open mind it will change your life. Irons and Swain are Perfect. Many will not understand this film. Banned in U.S.
3. Buffalo 66'---Awesome Film! Gallo is a Genius! Ricci is mystifying! Gazzara and Huston are Superb! Do not miss this movie Pure Genius! Great Soundtrack too! The Truth is that I have recently been struggling with deciding which of these first three is the best movie of all time.
4. American Beauty---This list is mostly in DVD format because DVD's are better but VHS is ok. This film is pure art. Strange this film received a much warmer welcome than Lolita, since they were, in many ways, alot alike.
5. The Usual Suspects---Another Great Spacey film, also a Great Cast including the underrated Byrne. Probably the best Mobster/Gangster Movie you will Ever Ever See!
6. The Shawshank Redemption---An instant classic. Robbins and Freeman are incredible! This movie will make you feel.
7. Meet Joe Black---This film was awesome, and somewhat underrated. The cast is perfect in their parts. Brad Pitt is one of the best new actors out there. Anthony Hopkins is Epic here, even more than usual.
8. Swimming with Sharks---This movie defines the term "Black Comedy" better than you will ever be able to understand. This will go right over alot of heads, but if you get it, it just may open your eyes...An Amazing Film!
9. The Professional---Wow! Reno and Portman are very very good. But Oldman is a Genius! Every time I see this movie I am amazed at how awesome it is.
10. Unforgiven...This is a great movie. The Last Great Western Film. This movie has some the of the greatest lines of all time. And what an awesome surprise ending. Incredible! Heard the DVD version sucks.[/B]
11. Death and The Maiden---An Utter Masterpiece! The final scene will keep you amazed long after the movie is over. A huge Sleeper
12. Empire of the Sun---It has been many years since I last saw this film. But in many ways it is still with me. Awesome and Inspiring story of the human will.
13. Othello (1995)---I have to admit that I have never fully appreciated Shakespeare until now. Brannagh is an artistic Genius of the level not scene since Da Vinci. This ending is better the real one, You must see.
14. Immortal Beloved---This movie will forever be with you. If you are a fellow fan the great maestro here you will understand him in a whole new way. Probably closest to how he was. An Awesome film about an Awesome Man!
15. Romeo is Bleeding---Sadly a sleeper. This is the last of great Film Noir. Plus Oldman as usual is a Genius. Wow! Do not miss this film truly great!
16. Miller's Crossing---Probably the Greatest Prohibition era Mobster film of all time. Stunningly Artistic, this is a GREAT FILM! Byrne in one of his best roles. Characterization is some of the Best I have ever seen.
17. Tombstone---Not completely but mainly because of Kilmer's portrayal of Doc Holiday this film stands as one of the Greatest and most Realistic Westerns of all time.
18. The Hobbit---An instant classic! Rankin and Bass have always been awesome filmmakers, but here they go farther than ever. Everything about this movie (characterization, voices, animation,) is Unforgettable...
19. A Perfect World---This is a sleeper. Incredibly well done. The exchanges between Costner and Eastwood are Epic especially in the final scenes. There is one scene most will miss that is utterly magic.
20. Mr. Destiny---I've always loved James Belushi, and this movie is a perfectly done story of contentment. Another Great Film.
21. Mary Shelly's Frankenstein (1994)---Another Brannagh Masterpiece! Definitely the best version to date. The way the scenes in the Arctic at the beginning and end are handled is Superb. Genius!
22. Heat---A Superb "Bank Robbers" film! The exchange in the middle of the movie between Pacino and De Niro, two masters of the Art is probably one the best if not the best scene in all of films of this type!
23. Ninja Scroll---This movie is arguably the Greatest Anime of all time. Stunningly beautiful, Genius!
24. Birdman of Alcatraz---Burt Lancaster does a great job and this whole movie has a great Black & White feel to it. I never understood why anyone ever wanted to see the classics in color. Don't miss this one!
25. Boxing Helena---Cunningly disturbing almost beyond comprehension. This film is wondrous! Both starring roles are played flawlessly. This film will leave in awe! Will go over alot of heads...
26. Nineteen Eighty-Four--- One of the scariest movies I have ever seen. The last scene of this film IS PERFECTION.
27. Dead Ringers---Arguably Cronenberg at his all time best. This is an epic film. It will go over Alot of heads, but if you get it, it will open your eyes. Fantastic!
28. Pi---"Faith in Chaos" This is probably the best Independent Film ever made. This is what movie making is all about. No producers telling you your job. Just Pure Genius. That’s what this movie is! Genius! Incredibly Disturbing and Realistic!
29. Wild Palms---Pretty much unheard of, this Undeniably awsome. It really makes you think. Some great Drama sequences. Do not miss this one! A TV Mini-series.
30. Terminator 2: Judgment Day---Sure the base of this film lies in Action but it's got plenty of Sci-Fi in it and bottom line it's one of the best films ever made.
31. 2001: A Space Odyssey---Despite the fact that this is an epic film not alot of people have seen it. Still it's an instant classic, you might also want to pick up 2010 because it answers alot of questions posed here.
32. The Fly (1986)---This film could very well be one of greatest works of Sci-Fi Horror ever made. Cronenberg IS a Genius! Horrifying!
33. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb---Another Kubrick Masterpiece! Very well done Black Comedy. Peter Sellers becomes one the finest Actors ever at the same embodying one of the coolest character ever. George C. Scott is Hilarious!!!
34. Star Wars Trilogy---(if someone wants to itemize these feel free, I know alot of people feel "Empire" was the best)---The reasons for this being here should be obvious. Great Trilogy, Great Actors, Great everything. Extremely well done Arguably Lucas at his Finest!
35. Westworld---This...is a great movie...my god...Yul Brenner is just...Incredible! This film will stay with you long long after it is over. Magic!
36. A Clockwork Orange---A Disturbing Masterpiece. Kubrick did Great, McDowell was awesome. A cult fav for a reason, the scene where McDowell returns to the old mans house and starts singing Beethoven in the bathtub is Masterwork!
37. Blade Runner---...if you don't know why this film is on this list don't bother to ever read or watch anything that has to do with good film, ever again. Also I won't get into the usual Director's/Producer's Cut war, suffice it to say they both have the strong points and are both more than worthy of this list. Epic!
38. Planet of the Apes (1968).....see above.
39. Dune (1984)---Necessarily abridged....Let me say that Again for those of you that didn't get it, NECESSARILY ABRIDGED, still good conversion of book, New version is Ridiculous in comparison. Lynch adds his Genius to an Already amazing piece of Art.
40. The Matrix---Unarguably live action Cyber-Punk at it's finest yet. This movie is a picture of what’s to come in this Newly created Genre.
41. Mad Max---Arguably the best Post-Apocalyptic vision of all time. The Characterization is Just Awesome. Mel Gibson is near stunning. The real Genius here is the Incredible vision this film creates. Amazing! MAKE SURE TO GET THE NON-DUBBED VERSION.
42. The Thing (1982)---This is a bit of a sleeper yet is An Awesome film. At least in the top 5 best Sci-Fi Films of all time. An instinct Classic!
43. Psycho (1960)---Incredible! That someone could come up with this. My god... The last scene of this movie still keeps me up at night.
44. Dial "M" for Murder (1954)---Unarguably the best Murder mystery of ALL TIME! NO ARGUMENT!
45. Apocalypse Now---Words....Words cannot even begin to describe this movie. Just see it.
46. The Man who Shot Liberty Valance---This was a really great film. It had so many amazing stars. One of my fav westerns. And nostalgic too!
47. Back to the Future---Really amazing. An instant Classic. You can see this movie a thousand times.
48. Better Off Dead---IMHO the Best 80's John Cusack movie ever. One of the best High School Comedy's ever.
49. Dangerous Liaisons(1988)---Stunning Masterpiece and Beautiful. Very well Done. Film in its finest Art form.
50. Hoffa---This was a really great film. Nicholson and De Vito were Genius. One of most wonderfully Nostalgic films I have ever seen.
51. Kelly's Heroes---A great Comedy...for it's subject Matter...this film was Exceptional beyond Compare. There is literally nothing else like it.
52. Kafka---Jeremy Irons is a master that much has always been obvious. But to put these two great men together and make them one person....Pure Genius.
53. Mildred Pierce---I saw this in film class a few months ago. Wow! Really Great!
54. Of Mice and Men (1992)---God this movie made me cry...Beautiful...
55. The Maltese Falcon---This wasn't really a love story, but in every other way I think this movie is superior to Casablanca. The two movies have many of the same actors and I think they are ALL better in this movie. Groundbreaking!
56. The Last Dragon---Martial Arts and Motown...Not many people have seen this film, there is nothing like, and anyone who has seen it will know what I mean.
57. The Last Unicorn---By Rankin & Bass the same guys that did The Hobbit (Animated)...this is visually Epic, I love the voices in this film.
58. The Prophecy---One of Christopher Walken's greatest films and relatively unheard of. The Characterization of this movie is Amazing. Who ever wrote the script for this film is a damn Genius. I love the exchange between Walken and Stolz in the back of the school.
59. The Pledge---Personally I really like and appreciated the incredibly nostalgic air and feeling of this film. I read one review that said..."Jack Nicholson fishing.....the whole movie." Hahaha, that’s not entirely true but I liked the way they did it. And the ending was very good.
60. Three Amigos!---This movie cannot be left off this list. One of the funniest movies of all time. An instant Cult Classic.
61. THX 1138---Ah! Back when Lucas' ego was smaller than the size of Nebraska And, interestingly enough, back when he could still make good film.
"whew!"
.....WELL Done.....for now anyway...it didn't take me as long to do as it looks cuzz I've got a few lists posted on Amazon.com.
Anyway everybody add yours as you please.
I was looking over my own personal list of fav films and realized that despite my extensive movie watching there were still alot of areas where I had fallen short of seeing films.
So I figured I would start this list in hopes that not only would I spread my own very Expert List of personal Favorites but also I would be introduced to great Films I have never heard of.
As for my lists...My own personal list is around 450 movies long BUT these range from movies "worth mentioning" to "Epic". The Rating system I use goes from "*"(asterisks) to "S". 1 "*"(asterisk) means that the movie is ok, this goes all the way up to
4 "*"(asterisks') which is Really REALLY good........BUT I reserve the "S" for the movies which is Feel are "Utterly Life Changing".
Because I know People don't want to read through 450 movies I am only going to list here, movies from my personal List which I gave an "S" meaning that they are by far better than any others.
The weak areas that I spoke of above are areas of Film that I am aware of having immense artistic importance have been meaning to get into but just haven’t had the time. Consequently I will not list from these areas and encourage any "Experts" on them share the knowledge. There also some areas that I have seen but just have not Catalogued into my personal list yet Both of these areas are.
-Dario Argento
-Mario Bava
-Lucio Fulci, and any other Italian Horror
-Hammer Films(just not catalogued)
-Most of the Film Noir and Classics from 1930-1950.
-Anime(just no catalogued)
-Westerns(I have a few on my list)
-Hitchcock(I have a few on my list)
-Jimmy Stewart(I have a few on my list)
-Some Kenneth Branagh(I have a few on my list)
As always feel free to add your opinions. I am going to list mine by Name and then a brief sentence or two of what I thought of the film or what it was about. I also posted part of this list over at Amazon.com under the name "TheBalrog99".
All Genre's Welcome, Anime, Foreign, Comedy, even Spoof! Also feel free to comment on movies already listed. Although I hope lists don't get too repetitive.
In case anyone didn't know the "Internet Movie Database" is probably the best source for archived info on any movie that has been released on the web. They are at...
www.imdb.com (http://www.imdb.com)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
well lets get started...oh yea these are in no really particular order. I look forward to seeing your favs.
1. The Age of Innocence---This is officially my favorite film, Michelle Pfeiffer is enchanting, Day-Lewis plays the tortured soul known all too well.
2. Lolita (1997)---I love this film. Far superior to Kubrick's version if you can watch this with an open mind it will change your life. Irons and Swain are Perfect. Many will not understand this film. Banned in U.S.
3. Buffalo 66'---Awesome Film! Gallo is a Genius! Ricci is mystifying! Gazzara and Huston are Superb! Do not miss this movie Pure Genius! Great Soundtrack too! The Truth is that I have recently been struggling with deciding which of these first three is the best movie of all time.
4. American Beauty---This list is mostly in DVD format because DVD's are better but VHS is ok. This film is pure art. Strange this film received a much warmer welcome than Lolita, since they were, in many ways, alot alike.
5. The Usual Suspects---Another Great Spacey film, also a Great Cast including the underrated Byrne. Probably the best Mobster/Gangster Movie you will Ever Ever See!
6. The Shawshank Redemption---An instant classic. Robbins and Freeman are incredible! This movie will make you feel.
7. Meet Joe Black---This film was awesome, and somewhat underrated. The cast is perfect in their parts. Brad Pitt is one of the best new actors out there. Anthony Hopkins is Epic here, even more than usual.
8. Swimming with Sharks---This movie defines the term "Black Comedy" better than you will ever be able to understand. This will go right over alot of heads, but if you get it, it just may open your eyes...An Amazing Film!
9. The Professional---Wow! Reno and Portman are very very good. But Oldman is a Genius! Every time I see this movie I am amazed at how awesome it is.
10. Unforgiven...This is a great movie. The Last Great Western Film. This movie has some the of the greatest lines of all time. And what an awesome surprise ending. Incredible! Heard the DVD version sucks.[/B]
11. Death and The Maiden---An Utter Masterpiece! The final scene will keep you amazed long after the movie is over. A huge Sleeper
12. Empire of the Sun---It has been many years since I last saw this film. But in many ways it is still with me. Awesome and Inspiring story of the human will.
13. Othello (1995)---I have to admit that I have never fully appreciated Shakespeare until now. Brannagh is an artistic Genius of the level not scene since Da Vinci. This ending is better the real one, You must see.
14. Immortal Beloved---This movie will forever be with you. If you are a fellow fan the great maestro here you will understand him in a whole new way. Probably closest to how he was. An Awesome film about an Awesome Man!
15. Romeo is Bleeding---Sadly a sleeper. This is the last of great Film Noir. Plus Oldman as usual is a Genius. Wow! Do not miss this film truly great!
16. Miller's Crossing---Probably the Greatest Prohibition era Mobster film of all time. Stunningly Artistic, this is a GREAT FILM! Byrne in one of his best roles. Characterization is some of the Best I have ever seen.
17. Tombstone---Not completely but mainly because of Kilmer's portrayal of Doc Holiday this film stands as one of the Greatest and most Realistic Westerns of all time.
18. The Hobbit---An instant classic! Rankin and Bass have always been awesome filmmakers, but here they go farther than ever. Everything about this movie (characterization, voices, animation,) is Unforgettable...
19. A Perfect World---This is a sleeper. Incredibly well done. The exchanges between Costner and Eastwood are Epic especially in the final scenes. There is one scene most will miss that is utterly magic.
20. Mr. Destiny---I've always loved James Belushi, and this movie is a perfectly done story of contentment. Another Great Film.
21. Mary Shelly's Frankenstein (1994)---Another Brannagh Masterpiece! Definitely the best version to date. The way the scenes in the Arctic at the beginning and end are handled is Superb. Genius!
22. Heat---A Superb "Bank Robbers" film! The exchange in the middle of the movie between Pacino and De Niro, two masters of the Art is probably one the best if not the best scene in all of films of this type!
23. Ninja Scroll---This movie is arguably the Greatest Anime of all time. Stunningly beautiful, Genius!
24. Birdman of Alcatraz---Burt Lancaster does a great job and this whole movie has a great Black & White feel to it. I never understood why anyone ever wanted to see the classics in color. Don't miss this one!
25. Boxing Helena---Cunningly disturbing almost beyond comprehension. This film is wondrous! Both starring roles are played flawlessly. This film will leave in awe! Will go over alot of heads...
26. Nineteen Eighty-Four--- One of the scariest movies I have ever seen. The last scene of this film IS PERFECTION.
27. Dead Ringers---Arguably Cronenberg at his all time best. This is an epic film. It will go over Alot of heads, but if you get it, it will open your eyes. Fantastic!
28. Pi---"Faith in Chaos" This is probably the best Independent Film ever made. This is what movie making is all about. No producers telling you your job. Just Pure Genius. That’s what this movie is! Genius! Incredibly Disturbing and Realistic!
29. Wild Palms---Pretty much unheard of, this Undeniably awsome. It really makes you think. Some great Drama sequences. Do not miss this one! A TV Mini-series.
30. Terminator 2: Judgment Day---Sure the base of this film lies in Action but it's got plenty of Sci-Fi in it and bottom line it's one of the best films ever made.
31. 2001: A Space Odyssey---Despite the fact that this is an epic film not alot of people have seen it. Still it's an instant classic, you might also want to pick up 2010 because it answers alot of questions posed here.
32. The Fly (1986)---This film could very well be one of greatest works of Sci-Fi Horror ever made. Cronenberg IS a Genius! Horrifying!
33. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb---Another Kubrick Masterpiece! Very well done Black Comedy. Peter Sellers becomes one the finest Actors ever at the same embodying one of the coolest character ever. George C. Scott is Hilarious!!!
34. Star Wars Trilogy---(if someone wants to itemize these feel free, I know alot of people feel "Empire" was the best)---The reasons for this being here should be obvious. Great Trilogy, Great Actors, Great everything. Extremely well done Arguably Lucas at his Finest!
35. Westworld---This...is a great movie...my god...Yul Brenner is just...Incredible! This film will stay with you long long after it is over. Magic!
36. A Clockwork Orange---A Disturbing Masterpiece. Kubrick did Great, McDowell was awesome. A cult fav for a reason, the scene where McDowell returns to the old mans house and starts singing Beethoven in the bathtub is Masterwork!
37. Blade Runner---...if you don't know why this film is on this list don't bother to ever read or watch anything that has to do with good film, ever again. Also I won't get into the usual Director's/Producer's Cut war, suffice it to say they both have the strong points and are both more than worthy of this list. Epic!
38. Planet of the Apes (1968).....see above.
39. Dune (1984)---Necessarily abridged....Let me say that Again for those of you that didn't get it, NECESSARILY ABRIDGED, still good conversion of book, New version is Ridiculous in comparison. Lynch adds his Genius to an Already amazing piece of Art.
40. The Matrix---Unarguably live action Cyber-Punk at it's finest yet. This movie is a picture of what’s to come in this Newly created Genre.
41. Mad Max---Arguably the best Post-Apocalyptic vision of all time. The Characterization is Just Awesome. Mel Gibson is near stunning. The real Genius here is the Incredible vision this film creates. Amazing! MAKE SURE TO GET THE NON-DUBBED VERSION.
42. The Thing (1982)---This is a bit of a sleeper yet is An Awesome film. At least in the top 5 best Sci-Fi Films of all time. An instinct Classic!
43. Psycho (1960)---Incredible! That someone could come up with this. My god... The last scene of this movie still keeps me up at night.
44. Dial "M" for Murder (1954)---Unarguably the best Murder mystery of ALL TIME! NO ARGUMENT!
45. Apocalypse Now---Words....Words cannot even begin to describe this movie. Just see it.
46. The Man who Shot Liberty Valance---This was a really great film. It had so many amazing stars. One of my fav westerns. And nostalgic too!
47. Back to the Future---Really amazing. An instant Classic. You can see this movie a thousand times.
48. Better Off Dead---IMHO the Best 80's John Cusack movie ever. One of the best High School Comedy's ever.
49. Dangerous Liaisons(1988)---Stunning Masterpiece and Beautiful. Very well Done. Film in its finest Art form.
50. Hoffa---This was a really great film. Nicholson and De Vito were Genius. One of most wonderfully Nostalgic films I have ever seen.
51. Kelly's Heroes---A great Comedy...for it's subject Matter...this film was Exceptional beyond Compare. There is literally nothing else like it.
52. Kafka---Jeremy Irons is a master that much has always been obvious. But to put these two great men together and make them one person....Pure Genius.
53. Mildred Pierce---I saw this in film class a few months ago. Wow! Really Great!
54. Of Mice and Men (1992)---God this movie made me cry...Beautiful...
55. The Maltese Falcon---This wasn't really a love story, but in every other way I think this movie is superior to Casablanca. The two movies have many of the same actors and I think they are ALL better in this movie. Groundbreaking!
56. The Last Dragon---Martial Arts and Motown...Not many people have seen this film, there is nothing like, and anyone who has seen it will know what I mean.
57. The Last Unicorn---By Rankin & Bass the same guys that did The Hobbit (Animated)...this is visually Epic, I love the voices in this film.
58. The Prophecy---One of Christopher Walken's greatest films and relatively unheard of. The Characterization of this movie is Amazing. Who ever wrote the script for this film is a damn Genius. I love the exchange between Walken and Stolz in the back of the school.
59. The Pledge---Personally I really like and appreciated the incredibly nostalgic air and feeling of this film. I read one review that said..."Jack Nicholson fishing.....the whole movie." Hahaha, that’s not entirely true but I liked the way they did it. And the ending was very good.
60. Three Amigos!---This movie cannot be left off this list. One of the funniest movies of all time. An instant Cult Classic.
61. THX 1138---Ah! Back when Lucas' ego was smaller than the size of Nebraska And, interestingly enough, back when he could still make good film.
"whew!"
.....WELL Done.....for now anyway...it didn't take me as long to do as it looks cuzz I've got a few lists posted on Amazon.com.
Anyway everybody add yours as you please.